Why Portable Generators Provide Essential Backup Power
Portable generators have become an increasingly vital tool for households and businesses to maintain power in the event of emergencies or natural disasters. With unpredictable weather and an aging infrastructure leading to more frequent and longer power outrages, portable generators provide that essential backup power to keep your home comfortable, safe, and functional.
Portable generators allow you to power your refrigerator, heating/cooling system, lights, electric stove, sump pump, medical devices and other necessities when the power goes out. This prevents food spoilage, provides light, ensures continuous heating/cooling, prevents flooding from lack of sump pump, and maintains medical equipment among other critical needs. Having backup power can be the difference between minor inconvenience and a full-on crisis during an extended outage.
In some cases, portable generators also allow households to achieve a greater level of energy independence through off-grid living. For those in remote areas beyond the reach of power lines, portable generators offer a reliable power source when combined with solar panels or other renewable energy sources. With the right generator setup, off-grid homes can leave the electric grid behind while maintaining modern conveniences.
Having a portable generator provides peace of mind and preparedness for the inevitable power outages. With unpredictable weather striking anywhere at any time, portable generators allow homes and businesses to maintain power and prevent catastrophes when those outages occur. They provide safe, reliable backup power that has become a virtual necessity in the modern world.
Types of Portable Generators
Portable generators come in several types, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. The main types of portable generators are:
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Diesel – Diesel generators tend to be the most powerful, but also the most expensive, noisy and dirty. The main advantage of diesel is the high power output and fuel efficiency. However, diesel can be hard to obtain in some areas.
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Gasoline – Gasoline generators are the most popular type and relatively affordable and easy to refuel. Gasoline is readily available, and these units provide a good balance of power and portability. Fuel efficiency can vary greatly.
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Propane – Propane generators burn clean and the LP gas is easy to store and transport. Propane offers high power output but the engines may be less durable than gasoline. Refueling requires dealing with pressurized tanks.
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Inverter – Inverter generators are more fuel efficient, quieter and provide clean power for sensitive electronics. However, power output is lower than conventional portable models.
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Bi-fuel – Bi-fuel generators can run on a combination of gasoline and diesel. This provides fuel flexibility but they cost more than single-fuel types.
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Solar – Solar generators use panels to charge onboard batteries and produce power during sunlight hours. There is no need to refuel but high power output remains expensive.
Diesel Portable Generators: Powerful but Costly
Diesel portable generators are known for their power, but also their high costs and noisy, dirty operation. Diesel engines can deliver a lot of power from a relatively small package, making diesel generators a popular choice for very high power requirements. However, they come at a steep price premium compared to gasoline models.
The diesel fuel itself tends to be more expensive than gasoline or propane. Diesel engines also require more maintenance like regular oil changes. They produce significant noise and exhaust emissions, making them less than ideal for indoor or residential operation. And while diesel fuel has a long shelf life, it still needs stabilizers for long-term storage.
If you need maximum power output from a compact and durable engine, a diesel portable generator is a great albeit costly choice. But the downsides of noise, emissions and expenses for fuel and maintenance make them impractical for many homeowners and small businesses. Unless you absolutely require the power density of diesel, it may be worth opting for a quieter, cleaner and more affordable propane or gasoline generator.
Gasoline Portable Generators
Gasoline portable generators are the most popular type of portable generator for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. They run on readily available gasoline, which makes them very convenient. Gasoline is easy to find at any gas station or hardware store, so you don’t have to worry about running out of fuel.
These generators tend to be relatively affordable compared to other types, with prices starting around $300 for smaller models up to $2000 for larger generators that can power an entire house. Their lower costs make gasoline portable generators accessible for the average homeowner on a budget. Higher-end gasoline generators can deliver similar power to diesel models for significantly less upfront cost.
Gasoline-powered portable generators are easy for anyone to use. They don’t require any special fuel mixtures or handling precautions. Just make sure you use fresh 87+ octane gasoline, and add fuel stabilizer if the generator will be idle for more than a few weeks. With a gasoline portable generator, you can quickly and conveniently generate power whenever you need it.
Propane Portable Generators
Propane portable generators are a powerful and convenient option for backup power. Propane is easy to store and transport compared to gasoline or diesel, making it ideal for portable applications.
The main advantages of propane generators are:
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Powerful – Propane contains more potential energy per gallon than gasoline or diesel, resulting in comparable or better power output. This makes propane well suited for running high wattage appliances and tools.
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Easy to store fuel – Propane is compressed into portable tanks, eliminating the need for fuel stabilizers. The tanks have an extremely long shelf life when properly stored. Propane tanks take up little space.
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Simple to refuel – Swapping propane tanks takes just a few minutes. No gasoline is spilled or fumes inhaled during refueling. Local propane suppliers can quickly replenish empty tanks.
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Runs in cold weather – Propane remains in a usable liquid state even in frigid winter temperatures when gasoline may gel up. You don’t have to winterize a propane generator.
The main downside of propane generators is that the engines are generally less durable than gasoline or diesel engines. Propane lacks the lubricating qualities of liquid fuels, resulting in increased wear. The carburetors also require frequent adjustments to keep the engines running optimally on propane. For extremely heavy duty or long term use, diesel generators tend to be more cost effective overall.
But for most backup power needs, propane generators provide a versatile fuel source that’s easy to handle and store. Their ample power output and simple maintenance make them a popular choice for RV owners, households, and worksites that need an affordable and dependable portable generator.
Inverter Portable Generators
Inverter portable generators are becoming increasingly popular for their advanced fuel efficiency and ultra-quiet operation. Unlike traditional portable generators which run at a constant speed, inverter generators use advanced power electronics and microprocessors to adjust their engine speed based on the power being demanded. This allows the engine to run at a very low RPM when little power is being used, resulting in minimal noise and vibration. The fuel efficiency gains of inverter generators can be significant – some models can operate for up to 10 hours on a single gallon of gasoline.
Inverter technology also produces much cleaner power that is safe for sensitive electronics like laptops and smartphones. The advanced voltage regulation keeps the output steady and consistent, preventing potential damage to connected devices. This stable, high-quality electricity makes inverter generators well-suited to RV and trailer applications.
The one downside of inverter generators is their higher initial cost, typically 2-3 times more expensive than a comparable standard portable generator. However for many users, the benefits of fuel efficiency, quiet operation, and clean electricity production provide an attractive return on investment over time. When evaluating portable power options, the premium features of inverter generators are worth strong consideration.
Bi-fuel Portable Generators
Bi-fuel portable generators run on a combination of gasoline and diesel fuel. This dual-fuel capability provides flexibility, allowing the generator to switch between gas and diesel depending on availability, performance needs, and operating costs.
Gasoline is typically used for most day-to-day generator operation. It is widely available and relatively affordable. However, diesel fuel provides more power, produces fewer emissions, and can be stored longer. By having a bi-fuel generator, you get the best of both worlds – everyday convenience of gasoline with the torque and reliability of diesel for peak power demands.
The main advantage of bi-fuel generators is fuel accessibility. If gas stations have run dry or diesel is easier to obtain, a bi-fuel unit keeps the generator running. Most switch between fuels seamlessly with minimal disruption to power delivery. This ensures backup power remains online even if your preferred fuel type is temporarily unavailable.
Bi-fuel models do cost more than single-fuel generators – 15-30% more depending on output wattage. However, the fuel flexibility often makes up for the added expense. Overall, bi-fuel generators offer a versatile fueling solution for large power needs across worksites, events, homes, and off-grid activities.
Solar Portable Generators
A more environmentally-friendly option than gas/diesel generators is solar portable generators. They harness the sun’s energy to generate electricity in a pollution-free manner, without requiring gas or fuel.
One of the main upsides of solar generators is that there are no ongoing fuel costs. As long as the sun is shining, they can produce electricity indefinitely. The only maintenance needed is keeping the solar panels clear of dirt and debris to maximize power generation.
Since they don’t rely on fuel, solar generators are very quiet in operation. This makes them ideal for camping or home backup, without the noise and fumes associated with gas/diesel models.
While the upfront cost is higher for solar generators, the lack of fuel costs over time can make them cost effective in the long run. Solar portable generator kits start around $699 and range up to $55,400+ depending on capacity and features.
The amount of power solar generators can produce depends on the size and efficiency of the solar panels and battery storage capacity. Most options range from 500W on the low end, up to 10,000W for premium models.
In a sunny climate, solar generators can provide a “set it and forget it” source of off-grid electricity. This makes them convenient and hassle-free compared to gas and diesel models which require inventory management of fuel. Overall, solar generators are the cleanest and lowest maintenance option for portable power.
Cost by Size
The cost of portable generators can vary widely depending on the wattage and type of fuel used. Here’s a breakdown of approximate costs by size:
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500-2000W: Small portable generators in this range typically cost $150-$1200 for gas/diesel models. Comparable solar generators start at around $699.
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3000-6500W: Mid-sized portable generators in this power range usually cost $300-$2000 for gas/diesel units. Solar generators in this size class begin at approximately $4299.
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7000-8000W: Large gas/diesel portable generators of this capacity normally cost $2100-$3000. Equivalent solar units are priced from $6299 and up.
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10,000-18,000W: Extra-large gas/diesel portable generators with this kind of power output typically range from $3500-$6200. Solar generators at this extreme high-capacity size begin at around $55,400.
As you can see, solar-powered generators carry a significant price premium over gas and diesel units. However, solar generators offer the benefit of clean, renewable power without ongoing fuel costs.
Ways to Save Money on Portable Generators
When shopping for a portable generator, there are several ways you can save money without sacrificing quality or reliability.
Buy the Right Size for Your Needs
One of the best ways to save is to take the time to calculate your power needs and buy a generator sized specifically for those needs. Smaller generators cost less upfront, so don’t buy a large 8,000W generator if you only need 2,000W. Consider which appliances and devices you want to power during an outage and get a generator that provides just enough wattage.
Consider Purchasing Refurbished Models
Refurbished portable generators can provide tremendous value. Reliable brands like Honda, Yamaha, and Champion often have factory-refurbished models available at 20-50% discounts. These are pre-owned generators that have been thoroughly inspected, repaired, and tested to meet strict specifications. Just make sure it comes with at least a 1-year warranty.
Maximize Solar Electricity Generation
For the most cost savings over time, solar generators provide clean, free electricity from the sun. With sufficient solar panels and batteries, you can take advantage of plentiful solar even on cloudy days. Though solar generators have higher upfront costs, they pay for themselves over years of use. Goal Zero, Renogy, and Jackery make some excellent solar generators to consider.